Category: Pow Wows

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Since the 1980s, Gathering of Nations served as the heartbeat of Indigenous celebration in North America. And during its final rendition, dubbed “The Last Dance,” people truly traveled from the four directions to experience a historic grand entry together.

From the snow-covered villages of Alaska to the bustling boroughs of New York, from the deserts of Baja California to the wooded wetlands of Florida, tens of thousands journeyed to Albuquerque carrying their traditions, regalia, and a mesmerizing sense of solidarity. 

Inside New Mexico’s iconic Tingley Coliseum, the atmosphere felt equal parts reunion, ceremony, and farewell. The sound of pounding drumbeats resonated through the packed arena as Native culture bearers filled the floor beneath a sea of tribal representation. During both Friday and Saturday evening Grand Entries, the 15,000-seat venue reached capacity as spectators stood shoulder to shoulder to witness the closing chapter of a cultural phenomenon.

“I’m here because this is the Last Dance and there was no way I was going to miss it,” declared Quenowa Mack (Sac & Fox Nation / Florida). “We know this isn’t really the Last Dance because everyone here is going to keep on the journey and keep on dancing when we hear that drum.

“The legacy of Gathering of Nations, at least for me, is knowing wherever you come from, no matter the tribe or state you live in, we’re able to come together and celebrate the beauty of our Native culture,” added the 34-year-old woodland dancer. “Whether it’s your traditional songs, my traditional songs, or someone else’s, the drum calls to us all. And anytime we come together and share the songs and dances of our homelands, our ancestors smile.”

For many Tulalip tribal members and their relatives across Coast Salish territory, Gathering of Nations has been a bucket list experience. It’s long been regarded as a place where relatives reconnect, where youth experience intertribal culture on a massive scale, and where Native identity shines unapologetically bright. 

“It’s been such a beautiful time being here and seeing everyone dressed up in their finest regalia,” reflected Arlene Wilson (Haisla Nation / British Columbia) with her daughter, Maya, as they stood adorned in Cedar and abalone shell. “It’s important for me as a mother to make sure my daughter knows where she comes from and just how powerful our culture is. 

“Here, in this environment with who knows how many thousands of Native people, she’s witnessing togetherness, she’s hearing songs and teachings, and she’s seeing dances that go back generations. This may be cultural overload, but she’s learning so much about her heritage and learning how to be proud of who we are and who she is.”

When 10-year-old Maya was asked what she enjoyed about her Gathering experience thus far, she didn’t miss a beat. “All of it!” beamed the Coast Salish youngster.

What made this final year especially memorable was the sheer geographic reach of the attendees. Native nations from every direction made the pilgrimage one last time. 

Alaska Native dancers arrived draped in traditional fur and their clan-encrusted shawls. Haudenosaunee and Northeastern tribes traveled from New York and surrounding territories wearing intricate woodland-style regalia. Delegations from Baja California brought powerful songs and cultural traditions rooted deep in Indigenous Mexico. Seminole and Miccosukee dancers journeyed from Florida, representing the Southeastern tribes with unmistakable pride and elegance. Together, they transformed the arena into a living map of Indigenous survival and unity.

That spirit of togetherness defined Gathering of Nations. Last year, Tulalip News highlighted elders from the Passamaquoddy Tribe in Maine attending the powwow for the very first time. At 81 years old, elder Mary Creighton spoke about feeling compelled to dance simply from witnessing the energy of Native people gathered together. 

“This is the first-time members of our Tribe have attended Gathering of Nations,” she shared in 2024. “It’s such an honor to be here.” 

That same feeling resonated throughout the weekend-long “Last Dance.” Families posed for photos beneath Gathering’s towering signature teepee and next to their favorite vendor booths one final time. Young dancers nervously prepared for competitions while elders quietly reflected on decades of memories made within the coliseum walls. Between dances, hugs and handshakes carried extra weight because everyone understood this was a farewell as much as it was a celebration.

Yet amid the many shared emotions, there was overwhelming gratitude.

“I call myself a cultural orphan because I didn’t grow up in or around my Native culture,” admitted Kimberly Greene (Oneida / New York). “As I became an adult and had the means to travel, I actively sought out Native culture and events wherever I could find them in the hopes of soaking up the traditions and teachings I didn’t receive as a child. I met elders who were willing to share with me, and it was from them I learned so much about who I am and who my people are.

“As my confidence in who I was as a Native woman grew, I sought ways to actively strengthen my connections to community. One of those ways became powwow dancing,” she continued. “I learned to make all my own regalia. I take great pride in being a Northern Traditional Buckskin dancer. Being on the powwow trail, I’ve made countless connections with people from tribes all across the country. Gathering of Nations may be the best example of how much we need to connect with our people and the importance of sharing our culture.” 

Over the years, Gathering of Nations evolved into a global Indigenous gathering space where tribal nations could celebrate resilience, artistry, and kinship. It welcomed hundreds of tribes from across the United States and Canada while also creating space for Indigenous representation from Central and South America. Events like Stage 49, the Horse and Rider Regalia Parade, and the Miss Indian World pageant helped elevate Native excellence onto an international stage. 

The retirement of the Miss Indian World crown added another emotional layer to the weekend. The reigning titleholder reflected on the importance of kindness and community during her farewell address, reminding attendees that cultural gatherings thrive because of how Native people uplift one another. 

For many of the 100,000+ attendees, the final Gathering also served as a reminder that Indigenous culture continues to flourish far beyond any single event. While the closing of Gathering of Nations marks the end of an era, it also signals the beginning of something new. Across Native America, communities are creating more spaces for cultural revitalization, youth leadership, and intertribal connection.

“Honestly, this is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,” shared Saiya Castano (Danza Azteca / California). “I’m saddened to learn this is the last Gathering of Nations because this is my first time here and it’s been nothing short of amazing. It’s beautiful to share that love and energy and prayer with our brothers and sisters from across Native America.

“Our dance and regalia do feel a little foreign to some people, but that’s the beauty of being here. We have the opportunity to educate people and share a little about who we are and where we come from,” continued the 19-year-old Azteca dancer. The 24-inch, vibrant blue Scarlett Macaw plumes in her headdress turned heads, from Natives and non-Natives alike. “Some people think we’re wearing costumes, but little do they know that this is our armor. Our feathers come from birds who soar close to Creator and give us strength as we dance like our ancestors.

“Here, in this space and with all these beautiful people, the opportunities to share and to learn are endless. I’m just as happy to explain the teachings behind why we dance the way we do and why we wear what we do as I am to learn from other tribal people where they come from and what their teachings are. I think that’s what makes Gathering of Nations so special is all the opportunities to learn from one another and to share with each other.”

That truth was embodied by an arena full of Native Americans as they participated in one last Grand Entry to officially close out the 2026 Gathering of Nations. As dancers moved together beneath the arena lights, there was no sense of culture fading away. Instead, there was resounding evidence that our traditions remain alive, evolving, and deeply invested in the future.

Ultimately, “The Last Dance” was never really about an ending. It was about honoring a legacy that united Native people from every direction for more than forty years. While this chapter has closed, the legacy it created will continue inspiring future generations to gather, celebrate culture proudly, and strengthen the intertribal bonds that made Gathering of Nations so compelling in the first place.

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

From the cedar-lined shores of the Pacific Northwest to the high desert plains of the Southwest, people once again journeyed from all directions toward New Mexico. There, they experienced the unparalleled celebration of culture and community that is the Gathering of Nations. Hosted in Albuquerque on April 24 and 25, this year’s Gathering was even more special because it marked the end of an era.

“As we converge upon the final Gathering of Nations Powwow, we want you to celebrate the legacy and spirit of this Last Dance,” stated founder Derek Matthews. “Forty-three years ago, our powwow took its first breath, and it was an incredible breath. It gave Native American, Indigenous, Aboriginal and First Nations people from near and far the opportunity to bring forth the best elements of this culture. Here, we share through dancing, singing, art, craft, and, most of all, a sense of unity.

“Every year, we persevered through immense challenges, both external and internal, to make our powwow better and more inclusive,” he continued. “After over four decades, we made the difficult decision to end Gathering of Nations. The memories and spirit of this legendary event will now be entrusted to everyone who has ever come to the Gathering and felt its power.”

Dubbed the “Last Dance,” the 43^rd annual Gathering of Nations concluded what has long been considered North America’s largest powwow. Four decades plus, the Albuquerque-based powwow served as a global meeting place for Indigenous communities, showcasing song, dance, and artistry at the highest level. 

This final chapter drew an estimated 100,000 attendees, reaffirming its status as the most prominent Native cultural event on the continent. The demand to witness history proved overwhelming. During Saturday’s Grand Entry, lines to enter Tingley Coliseum stretched deep toward the parking lots. With the arena pushed beyond capacity, many were left waiting outside, unable to experience the final procession in person.

Inside, however, the heartbeat of the drum remained steady. As in years past, the Grand Entries delivered a breathtaking display of Indigenous identity. Thousands of dancers, adorned in intricate regalia representing tribes from across Turtle Island, spiraled into the arena in a unified expression of culture and pride. The pulse of the drum echoed through the Coliseum, carrying with it generations of tradition.

Among this year’s massive crowd was a strong Tulalip presence. Roughly three dozen Tulalip tribal members made the journey from Washington State to New Mexico, forming a traveling cohort eager to experience the legendary gathering firsthand. For many in the group, this was their first time attending. Wide-eyed and inspired, they immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere by taking in the sights, sounds, and spirit that have defined Gathering for decades.

“Coming to Gathering of Nations has been on my bucket list for a long, long time,” shared Tulalip elder and Gathering first-timer, Denise Sheldon. “I’ve heard stories and seen so many pictures over the years that built up the excitement and anticipation, but now that I’m actually here, I can see it’s better than I imagined. Feeling the energy radiate in that arena from so many thousands and thousands of Natives from all around the country was one of the best feelings of my life.

“When I was finally able to witness all the dancers go on the floor during Grand Entry, I couldn’t help but cry,” she added. “It was so beautiful and captivating, and I’m just so thankful that I could experience this with my daughter, Santana, and a group of tribal members from home. This experience is something I’ll cherish forever.”

From the electrifying drum contests to the dazzling dance categories spanning Tiny Tots to Golden Age, Tulalip attendees witnessed the full spectrum of Native excellence. They explored the Indian Traders Market, where hundreds of Native artists and vendors offered handmade goods, and experienced the cultural depth that has made Gathering a cornerstone of the powwow trail.

Since its beginnings in 1983, Gathering of Nations has grown into a cultural powerhouse, drawing participants from hundreds of tribes across the United States, Canada, and beyond. Over the years, it expanded to include signature events like the Miss Indian World pageant, Stage 49 contemporary music performances, and the Horse and Rider Regalia Parade.

With Gathering of Nations ending, the Miss Indian World crown was officially retired. Meaning she’ll never be dethroned, the 2025-2026 Miss Indian World shared a heartfelt message to all those in attendance. “Over the past year, I have had the incredible honor of serving as Miss Indian World,” said Dania Wahwasuck (Prairie Band Potawatomi). “Reflecting on my reign, it makes me smile. I have met so many incredible individuals.

“One thing that ponders my mind is kindness,” continued the 25-year-old powwow icon. “As I have visited many places and attended many events, I notice how kind some individuals are and how unkind others can be. I truly want everyone to be kind to one another, no matter how cheesy that may sound. Be kind. To the workers in the store you go into, to your neighbor, to your peers, to everyone. When we choose kindness, we honor our ancestors.”

As Dania’s words were absorbed by attentive listeners, the arena floor gave way to the final songs and the last dances. Now, officially completed, the spirit of Gathering remains in those who experienced it. And in those who stumble across stories detailing its legend.

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

Christmas came early for numerous Indigenous families as hundreds gathered at the Francy J. Sheldon Gymnasium for the annual holiday powwow at Tulalip. Holiday cheer was spread through the deep and rhythmic beats from the round drum this year, and also through the captivating and intricate steps of a number of Native dancers. Whether the dance was traditional, fancy shawl, or jingle dress, the gym was rocking throughout the entire three-hour event.

2023 marked the tenth year of the annual powwow which is a community favorite looked forward to each holiday season. The powwow is a collaboration between the Marysville School District Indian Education department and the Tulalip Education Division and features dance competitions for cash prizes. You often hear that this is the season of giving, and this was on full display as several young dancers forewent their cash prizes during the evening and instead gifted the money to elders in the crowd. 

In addition to the drumming, singing, and display of astonishing regalia, the people were also treated to a meal and had an opportunity to peruse and purchase last minute gifts at the mini bazaar located across campus at the Marysville Mountain View Arts and Technology High School. Dozens of vendors set up shop and sold items such as beadwork, clothing, blankets, and cedar weavings.

Down the corridor of Marysville Arts and Tech, Santa Claus worked his magic and turned a common area of the school into his workshop for the night. Each kid in attendance received a toy of their choosing. There were Nerf guns galore, board games in abundance, puzzles o’ plenty, and countless plastic characters up for grabs. And that’s not to mention the large selection of books that included everything from picture books to graphic novels. 

Once it was confirmed that each child had picked out a toy, there was still a plethora of gifts left over from Santa’s visit. The kids were once again invited to the workshop to add more items to their powwow haul. The event closed with the ever-popular cake walk in which all of the cakes were decorated with Christmas themes such as Santa’s suit, Christmas trees, and Frosty the Snowman. 

Following the wonderful clash of culture and Christmas, MSD Indian Education Dept. Coordinator, Matt Remle, shared in a Facebook post, “Lila wopila tanka to all the families, drummers, singers, dancers, volunteers, cooks, staff, and janitors that came out and together for our annual holiday powwow wachipi. Can’t believe we just held our 10th annual! As always, our only goal is to bring some smiles and joy to the community. Waste po.”

By Kalvin Valdillez; photos by Wade Sheldon and Kalvin Valdillez

Hundreds of Tulalip members stood upon a small bluff overlooking Tulalip Bay. Draped in traditional garb, the women and young ladies adorned shawls and ribbon skirts while the men and boys wore vests and ribbon shirts. Cedar woven headbands, hats, and jewelry were the accessories of choice, as well as bandanas, eagle feathers, and beaded medallions. The kids gasped with excitement and pointed out into the distance of the bay. With traditional hand drums and rattles, the people sang hik^w siyab yubəč, and greeted the first king salmon of the season to the village as he arrived at the shore on a cedar dugout canoe.

“Today is our 47^th annual Salmon Ceremony, that was revived 47 years ago,” said Tulalip Chairwoman, Teri Gobin. “We’re honoring hik^w siyab yubəč, big chief king salmon. Welcoming him and showing him how well our community will treat him, so he will go back to the village under the sea and let them know he was treated well at Tulalip. And we’ll have a bountiful season. And it will also bless our fishermen to protect them from the storms and the weather and make sure they come home safe.”

As one of the main staples of their ancestral diet, the relationship between the salmon and the sduhubš is strong. The traditional belief is that Tulalips are descendants of the Salmon People who live in a village under the Salish Sea. At the beginning of every fishing season, the king salmon send a scout to the waters of Tulalip Bay, and it is his duty to report back to the Salmon People about his time spent amongst the tribal nation. 

In the early 90’s, Tulalip leader Bernie ‘Kai Kai’ Gobin penned a retelling of the traditional Tulalip story, the Salmon People, for the Marysville School District. Kai Kai shared, “The story goes that there is a tribe of Salmon People that live under the sea. And each year, they send out scouts to visit their homelands. And the way that the Snohomish people recognize that it’s time for the salmon scouts to be returning to their area is when, in the spring, a butterfly comes out. And the first person to see that butterfly will run, as fast as they can, to tell our chiefs or headmen, or now they are called the chairman. One of the other ways they recognize that the salmon scouts are returning is when the wild spirea tree blooms. The people call it the ironwood tree, and that’s what they use for fish sticks and a lot of other important things, like halibut hooks. It’s a very hard wood. So, when they see either one of these, a tribal member will tell the chairman, and he immediately sends out word to the people and calls them together in the longhouse for a huge feast and celebration to give honor to the visitors that are coming.”

Keeping with the tradition that extends across thousands of years, the Tulalip community prepares for the arrival of the scout weeks in advance. The tribe plans a special honoring for the salmon, thanking the local Indigenous species for providing healthy nourishment for the people year after year. 

“This is a ceremony that our people have done since time immemorial, since we were salmon,” explained tribal member, Chelsea Craig. “It was a commitment to our people under the sea that we would carry on this tradition. And when colonizers came and tried to stop us from practicing our ways, it went underground. And our ancestors maintained that knowledge and passed it through oral traditions. And when it was safe for us to bring it back, our elders brought it back. It’s our responsibility to keep that going until there is no more time.”

Along with the practice of spiritual work, the Lushootseed language, songs, dances, hunting, gathering, and traditional ceremonies were outlawed by the US government at the beginning of the 20^thcentury. During this time, Indian boarding schools were established, and children were forcibly removed from their families. The kids were to learn the ways of the ‘new world’ and abandon their traditional lifeways. It was a dangerous time to be Native American. 

Decades passed by and the Salmon Ceremony was all but lost. However, thanks to a number of boarding school survivors, bits and pieces of those ancestral teachings were held onto while they endured the tragedies of assimilation. And in the mid-70’s, after the Meriam Report of 1928 helped abolish the majority of Indian boarding schools throughout the country, Harriette Shelton-Dover called upon her community. Forming a small group comprised of Tulalip, Swinomish, and Lummi elders, Harriette ushered in a new era for the sduhubš people with the revitalization of the Salmon Ceremony in 1976. 

Teri recounted, “My father [Stan Jones Sr.] was one of the main people to work with the elders to bring the Salmon Ceremony back. A lot of these songs were almost lost. It was Harriette Shelton Dover and all these iconic elders that wanted to make sure this was carried on. That was so important. My mom was the one who brought the cakes, and we would visit and write everything down to keep it for future generations. And that’s what’s most important, that these young ones are learning now.”

Tulalip’s future, some merely a few weeks old, were fully immersed in the ceremony, with their regalia and ancestral knowledge on full display. Accounting for over half of those in attendance, the youth put on their sduhubš warrior faces and treated the gathering with the utmost importance and sincerity. Each time they entered the sacred space of the Tulalip longhouse, they went in focused on the work taking place and beamed with Tulalip pride. 

“It felt so good in the longhouse,” exclaimed Chelsea. “It felt like we were bringing pride to our ancestors. It felt like a longhouse full of love. It felt good today. And to see all the kids, I was sitting down watching them, and it overwhelmed me with pride. Our young ones are taking up this culture with their full selves.”

Tulalip youth Rajalion Robinson expressed, “This was my first year at the Salmon Ceremony. It was really nice to learn more about my culture, especially during the practices. My favorite part of the ceremony was dancing to the Welcome Song.”

Upon witnessing the youth arriving at the year’s ceremony, Teri said, “It’s exciting because what it brings is all this culture and knowledge to the children so they can pass it on. I’m really excited about how many youth we have involved. We actually almost need a longer longhouse to accommodate all the children.”

In total, ten songs and blessings are offered at the Salmon Ceremony. And those powerful chants were amplified by all the voices of the young people this year. From start to finish, the kids were engaged and sang with booming voices that echoed out of the longhouse and rippled across the bay. The ten songs are offered in the following order:

• The Welcome Song
• Sduhubš War Song
• Eagle/Owl Song (Tribute to Kai Kai)
• Blessing of the Fisherman
• Listen to our Prayers
• hik^w siyab yubəč
• The Happy Song
• Table Blessing Song
• Canoe Song (Kenny Moses Jr.’s Song) 
• New Beginnings Cleansing Song (Glen’s Song)

Once the guest of honor is welcomed into the longhouse, he is escorted on a bed of cedar branches to the Greg Williams Court where a feast ensues. The people share the first bite of salmon together as one tribe. 

“This first piece is representative of us all sharing the blessing of the yubəč,” said Salmon Ceremony leader, Glen Gobin, as he addressed the participants at the gym. “I ask that we all eat this piece at the same time together. Now, I’m going to ask that we all take our water and drink it together. This clear water represents the purity of life, and the lifegiving waters in which the salmon come from. Now I’m going to ask that we all eat this wonderful meal together.” 

After the meal, the people return the remains of the scout back to the waters so he can complete his journey back to the village of the Salmon People and tell his relatives about his journey to the sduhubš territory. To show their appreciation to the tribe for the special honoring, the salmon will travel to Tulalip Bay throughout the season to continue providing sustenance for the people. 

Derek Prather, Tulalip member and parent shared, “It’s a beautiful ceremony and I’m grateful to be able to share it with my kids, help cook the fish, and take part in the ceremony with the community. I’ve been doing it since I was my son’s age, 5 years old. My uncle was Stan Jones who helped restart the Salmon Ceremony, so it’s important to pass this on to my kids. I’m really grateful to see so many kids show up today. It warms my heart to see that.”

The following message is an excerpt from the 2023 Salmon Ceremony program:

This year’s Salmon Ceremony is dedicated to Donald ‘Penoke’ Hatch Jr. He was on the Tulalip Board of Directors for 27 years. And for every year he served on the board, he fought to keep the Salmon Ceremony and any activity for our youth alive here at Tulalip. Penoke was also on the Marysville School Board for 16 years to help keep our children in school. For all his hard work supporting our children, the Tribe named the new youth center gym after him. Our hands go up to him for all he has done for our tribe.

          

During the feast, and moments before taking a generational photo as a member of the king salmon carriers of the ceremony, Penoke shared a few words about the special honoring. He said, “Right now, I’m going through a lot with my health. I’m not feeling too good because of my cancer and the medicine I take. But it makes me feel good when I wake up in the morning to another day. Today was a really special day and it was tremendous for me. My life here on the reservation, all the cultural going-ons and all the things that I’ve done in my lifetime, it’s coming back to me. And I appreciate our people for recognizing me and the years that I participated in education, sports and just in our community. Our tribe has given us so many things that we need to appreciate more. We have to appreciate each other more. We have to love each other more than yesterday. That’s the most important thing.”